The Transformative Power of AI: 3PL Operating Systems

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter welcome Lindsey Billing and Paul Boothe for a conversation on how AI is transforming the future of supply chain—from warehouse automation to intelligent forecasting and data-driven decision-making. Together, they explore real-world innovations already in play and what it takes to turn buzzwords like “AI” and “automation” into actual value.Lindsey shares how NLS is piloting robotics and autonomous systems to reduce costs and increase speed, while Kim breaks down why clean, connected data is foundational for any successful AI strategy. Paul brings perspective on where companies should focus their AI investments to unlock faster wins without losing the human touch. They discuss consumer unpredictability, data readiness, customer experience, and how today’s tech is shaping tomorrow’s fulfillment.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(04:05) Meet the guests: Lindsey Billing and Paul Boothe(08:42) What innovation looks like in today’s supply chain(13:15) Robotics, automation, and AI use cases(17:58) Why clean data matters more than cool tools(22:21) Forecasting with AI: Demand, labor, and inventory(27:09) Balancing automation with human touch in customer service(32:33) Consumer unpredictability and data-driven decision-making(36:47) AI hype vs. AI practicality(41:10) Where to start with AI adoption in supply chain(46:00) Final thoughts: what’s next in supply chain techAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lindsey Billing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseybilling/Connect with Paul Boothe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-boothe-0885aaa/Learn more about Osa Commerce: https://www.osacommerce.com/Learn more about NLS: https://nls.ca/Check out the Osa Commerce Supply Chain Trends Report: https://osacommerce.com/download-2025-supply-chain-trendsConnect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Connect with Kimberly Reuter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qWEBINAR- In Chaos We Create: Bridging the Critical Raw Materials Gap Through Strategic Convergence: https://bit.ly/459BzIQWEBINAR- Tariff Watch - Unpacking the Latest Updates: https://bit.ly/3FvL2zNWEBINAR- When to Walk Away from Warehouse AI - and When to Go All In: https://bit.ly/4dFgCYqThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/transformative-power-ai-3pl-operating-systems-1440 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.